Probable cause
The amphibious airplane's impact with a submerged object during a water landing, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the amphibious airplane stated that after a normal touchdown on a river, "5-10 seconds later we were upside down." The pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane into the water and a nearby boater came to their assistance. The pilot stated that he believed he struck a submerged object in the water.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), the right side of the airplane showed evidence that the airplane struck an object submerged in the water. The FAA ASI also reported that he was informed of numerous recreational boats striking debris near the accident site earlier in the day. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA229 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 15, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Augusta, Kentucky
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SEAREY
- N-number
- N831CM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.